The following urban design principles will be followed during the design and construction of the project:

• Provide a flowing road alignment responsive to the surrounding landscape.
• Provide a safe and enjoyable motoring experience that engages with the landscape of southern NSW, making best use of the views and vistas.
• Provide a highway corridor that protects and enhances local natural systems and local ecology of the location.
• Respect and respond to towns and communities along the corridor, and the historically and culturally significant aspects of the location.
• Achieve a simple selection of highway, elements and details consistent throughout the corridor, which meet safety requirements and minimise ongoing maintenance costs.

The design concept takes advantage of the scenic qualities of the area and provides a variety of enjoyable experiences for road users as they pass through areas with different visual characters.

A copy of the Urban design and landscape management report is available for viewing at the community display centre at 15335 Hume Highway (on the corner with Knox Road) and can be downloaded from the Information documents section of this website.

Approach to landscape

Establishment of a viable and responsive range of landscape treatments along the highway, including natural regeneration, will ensure the road successfully integrates into its surroundings and maintains a consistent attractive character.

Local landscape considerations

Screen plantings of trees and shrubs will be located in sensitive areas to screen the road from adjoining residences and reduce headlight glare from on-coming traffic and adjoining roads.

Landscaping surrounding the road aims to preserve and complement natural features, while minimising maintenance once the project is complete.

Planting and landscape management

Planting types will consist of endemic species reinforcing existing plant communities and their spatial sequencing along the highway.

The main revegetation mix will comprise mid-canopy, shrub, groundcovers and grasses and exclude no frangible tree species with a minimum planting rate of 5,000 plants per lineal kilometre.

Landscape management measures will protect and conserve all significant trees and vegetation stands and reduce the possibility of weed invasion as a result of construction activities.